Cat's night out improves feline health

Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic just launched Cat’s Night Out and is inviting all cat owners to take advantage of this new service focused on improving cat wellness.
Every Wednesday evening from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Loomis Basin vet is creating a feline-friendly clinic where cats and their owners can come in for appointments and be greeted by highly trained cat-loving doctors and staff plus a tranquil low-stress environment. “Cats are unique creatures and can be sensitive to new environments and other animals,” said Dr. Jeralyn Terry, a veterinarian at Loomis Basin and a key proponent of Cat’s Night Out. “A checkup can be a stressful experience for a cat and often owners are anxious about bringing their cats in for appointments.”
Terry said the clinic wants to make vet visits an enjoyable experience for everyone by implementing their feline-friendly protocols, such as designating a separate lobby as “cat only.” That means it is quiet and dog-free, plus exam rooms for cat appointments are set aside, allowing cats to be seen quickly.
For Loomis Basin client Gail Sortomme, of Roseville, Cat’s Night Out was a big hit when she brought her cat Sam in for a checkup. She said the evening appointment felt like “I got to have a date with my cat.”
The intention behind Cat’s Night Out is to encourage more cat owners to bring their cats in for wellness checkups, routine vaccines and other appointments.
According to a 2011 Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study, cats are the underserved pet representing 55 percent of the total pet population, but only 15 to 30 percent of veterinary patients. One hurdle that cat owners face while preparing to go to the clinic is getting their cat into the carrier, which is a necessary, but tricky device endeavor. To help owners overcome this obstacle, Loomis Basin encourages cat owners to watch the instructional website videos on Getting Your Cat Carrier Ready, at http://catalystcouncil.org and http://healthycatsforlife.com.
Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic is a community based, general practice; a specialty practice with board-certified doctors; and a 24-hour emergency and continuous care facility. For more information on Cat’s Night Out, visit loomisbasinvet.com, or call 652-5816.